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Buying a PC that fits YOU!Dec 03 '00 Write an essay on this topic.There may not be much that I know, but one of the things I do know, is computers. Having had extensive experience since the age of 12 (a whopping 8 years I know!). I have experienced just about every part of owning a computer (from buying to selling, and from having it fixed and fixing it myself). I have played just about every part from advisor to buyer to technician. Here is my advice on buying a computer! The first mistake, or misconception of first time computer buyers is that the biggest most advanced computer, at the moment of course, is the only computer they need. However, in most cases this is not so. If you purchase a computer such as the above, most users will only use a small portion of its full potential. Most users will not use the 1 Ghz processor (the piece that thinks), 256MB of RAM (sort of short term memory, stores data and commands in queue for the processor), and 60GB hard-drive (Long term memory, for storage of your files and programs). The next, more common mistake, is that the lowest end computer will work for them. Now we run into the opposite problem. Where before we had too much power, now we have too little. Often the lowest end computer will have only the minimum amount of RAM to run the operating system. Now most OS's are rather unstable with only its minimum requirements fulfilled. Now what is just right? I hate the answer to this question, but here it is: "It depends!". Depending on the user, the system specs will differ greatly. A secretary may only want the basics, with 64MB of RAM instead of 32MB. Whereas a CAD designer may want the fastest thing available. And there is the full spectrum of systems in between. My suggestion? Have someone you know help you, Preferably someone with computer knowledge) go to a retailer/website and order your computer. This way you can choose practically all the internal components (i.e. hard drive, rom drive, RAM, etc.). Here are some guidelines for internal component: If the main purpose of the computer is internet, office applications, schoolwork, get a computer with almost the basics. That means: Slowest processor you can find, 64MB or 96MB of RAM, 10-15GB hard-drive, DVD ROM drive (more on this later). This should give you a computer that will work for these applications and more. A video card is not a must if no games or graphics oriented programs will be ran on this machine. If you are buying a computer for the home/family, one that will have games, internet, schoolwork, and maybe home business, I suggest: Mid-range processor, 96-128MB of RAM, 20-30GB hard-drive, DVD ROM and CDRW, with a 8MB video card. Most people fall into these two groups, at least first time buyers will. Now what not to buy? Lets start with Extended Warranties. I am by no means a believer in any in-store warranty however, I do stand behind In-Home warranties, even if you pay extra. But if it is too expensive, don't go there. Chances are when you get your computer, a salesman is going to try to shove these and lovely things called accessories down your throat. And of course, if it does not fulfill your needs, don't waste your time or your money. Believe it or not, your PC is not fully functional when you take it out of the box. It needs items to protect it and serve you, in order to be of any use to you. Here rated in order of importance are items you will need. these items can vary in price depending on quality or features. Use your own opinion on what you buy (Note: The cost of accessories should reflect the cost of the system you purchase.) UPS/Surge protector, not a power strip; anti-virus software; mouse pad; printer cable; ink cartridges, 2 of each because you only run out of ink when you are printing; paper, photo, normal, and bright white; modem cable, i suggest getting DSL modem cable, it works just the same as regular phone cable but if you decide to upgrade ot DSL service you already have the ideal cable; media storage; floppy disks. One last thing, most retailer will offer some kind of incentive to sign up for Internet Service like MSN (Sign up for 3 years, get $400 off!) Unless they offer high-speed service don't go that route.  |
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